Dean of Exeter Cathedral leaves post following row with Bishop over spending

The Dean of Exeter Cathedral is to leave his post after a row with his bishop over the cathedral's spending.

The Very Rev Dr Jonathan Draper will not return to his post after his current period of leave.

Instead he will go on sabbatical until August, at which point he will retire.

Dr Draper, 65, has been embroiled in a row with the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Rev Robert Atwell, who criticised him for poor financial management and displaying a "lack of spiritual leadership and pastoral care".

An ambitious Roman baths project which failed after being turned down for Heritage Lottery Foundation funding was among the targets for the bishop's ire in a report published last September.

The cathedral is now predicted to have a budget deficit of £175,000 for this financial year.

Bishop Atwell said: "Jonathan has been a friend to many and is respected as a thoughtful and imaginative preacher who has not been afraid to engage with contemporary issues.

"Like many other cathedrals, Exeter has faced a number of challenges in recent years. With the support of the chapter, Jonathan has had to take tough decisions for the long-term good of the cathedral."